With no Republicans in the race, the new Fulton County Commission District 4 will be represented by whichever Democrat – Eddie Lee Brewster or Joan Garner, both Atlanta residents – voters choose in the primary May 20.

Brewster, 60, is an insurance consultant and Atlanta Public Schools substitute teacher.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff in 1977 and a master’s degree in state and local government from Atlanta University in 1979.

Brewster is divorced with one child.

He was an East Point city councilman from 2003 to 2005, after which he ran for East Point mayor, the state House of Representatives and the Atlanta school board.

Brewster’s top three issues are human services, education and economic development.

He said he is the best person for the job because he understands the needs of the people.

“I believe in basic budgeting where we focus our priorities on needs and necessities, not wants and luxuries,” Brewster said. “I have served previously as the chair of the budget committee when I was an East Point council member so I know how to handle budgets with citizen concerns. I also was a gubernatorial aide, served on a variety of boards and founded the Old Fourth Ward Coalition. With my community and governmental involvement, I am first-day ready.”

Garner, 63, an Old Fourth Ward resident, is the president of consulting firm Garner Results.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of the District of Columbia in 1975 and a master’s degree in organizational communication from Howard University in 1977.

Garner is openly gay with a long-term partner.

The District 6 county commissioner is seeking her second term on the commission, which is her first elected office.

Garner’s top three issues are efficiency and transparency in government, access to government and services, and responsible economic development.

She said she is the best person for the job because of her experience.

“Change is necessary and good, but perspective is important when helping our county grow to meet new challenges. As our county changes to reflect new districts, I can be a steady hand on the wheel, bringing to bear my experience as a resident of the county for 36 years, my experience serving as [Atlanta citizen advisory council Neighborhood Planning Unit M] president and now having served one term on the county commission,” she said.

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